Jila Bani Yaghoob - Blogger in Iran

Jila Bani Yaghoob, one of the first independent female reporters in Iran, now a defiant blogger.

What she fights for: Sensitive subjects such as the education of women, prostitution, AIDS, the war in Iraq, freedom of expression, press rights.

Her weapon: Her blog.We are journalists is a Persian-language site where Jila informs Iranians of world news and she throws light on events from her country. This informative blog is also a free platform for Iranians who wish to express their ideas and share their problems.

Downsides: Jila has experienced a lot of intimidation from the authorities but she's never given into the pressure. She was recently arrested then released again for taking part in a demonstration contesting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's re-election. Her husband was sentenced to 5 years in prison. The blog has been blocked but it remains accessible by proxy (= via search engines such as Google).

Recognition: In April, Jila received the Freedom of Expression award at the international "Best of the Blogs" ceremony organized in Berlin by German radio station Deutsche Welle.